Amazing Health Benefits of Cinnamon

Amazing Health Benefits of Cinnamon

Amazing Health Benefits of Cinnamon

Cinnamon is used to improving digestion and to calm stomach disorders.

Cinnamon is well-known for its anti-diabetic effects.

Cinnamon is packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.

Cinnamon contains manganese, dietary fibre, calcium, iron, and zinc.

Cinnamon is used to fighting against fungal, bacterial, and viral elements in foods.

Cinnamon can be used as a preservative in many foods without the need for artificial ingredients.

“True Cinnamon” is the species that belong to Sri Lanka.

ORIGIN Cinnamon is scientifically called as “Cinnamomum Verum”. Cinnamon is largely grown in India, Brazil, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, and Egypt. Cinnamon is harvested from the peels of the inner bark of a Cinnamomum tree. Cinnamon is of a golden-yellow colour, with the characteristic odour and a very hot aromatic taste.Grown in India: In India, it is grown in the forests of Western Ghats and commercially cultivated in Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. In Tamil, it is called as “Lavanga Pattai”.

NUTRITIONAL VALUE

NUTRIENT

UNIT

VALUE (Per 100g)

Proximates

Water

g

10.58

Energy

kcal

247

Protein

g

3.99

Total lipid (fat)

g

1.24

Carbohydrate, by difference

g

80.59

Fiber, total dietary

g

53.1

Sugars, total

g

2.17

Minerals

Calcium, Ca

mg

1002

Iron, Fe

mg

8.32

Magnesium, Mg

mg

60

Phosphorus, P

mg

64

Potassium, K

mg

431

Sodium, Na

mg

10

Zinc, Zn

mg

1.83

Vitamins

Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid

mg

3.8

Thiamin

mg

0.022

Riboflavin

mg

0.041

Niacin

mg

1.332

Vitamin B-6

mg

0.158

Folate, DFE

µg

6

Vitamin B-12

µg

0

Vitamin A, RAE

µg

15

Vitamin A, IU

IU

295

Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol)

mg

2.32

Vitamin D (D2 + D3)

µg

0

Vitamin D

IU

0

Vitamin K (phylloquinone)

µg

31.2

Lipids

Fatty acids, total saturated

g

0.345

Fatty acids, total monounsaturated

g

0.246

Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated

g

0.068

Fatty acids, total trans

g

0

Cholesterol

mg

0

Other

Caffeine

mg

0

Source:USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference

HEALTH BENEFITS OF CINNAMON1. Diabetes Management One of the well-known benefits of Cinnamon is its control over blood sugar levels in the body. When Cinnamon is added to your food, it can chemically slow the process of emptying your stomach, which is what happens when you consume simple sugars from basic carbohydrates. Cinnamon reduces the major influx of glucose into the bloodstream. It helps in balancing glucose levels, thereby, preventing diabetic spikes and drops. By helping to regulate the insulin and glucose balance in the body, Cinnamon can be both a preventative measure and an effective treatment for diabetes.2. Cancer Prevention Cinnamon is a very powerful dietary addition for all who are looking to lower their risk of cancer. Two substances, cinnamic aldehyde and cinnamyl aldehyde, present in Cinnamon extracts can both actively prevent cancer cells from spreading inside the body. India has found that Cinnamon has anti-proliferative and apoptosis-inducing properties that help in killing harmful colon cancer cells.3. Bone Health The high amount of magnesium found in Cinnamon sticks gives a significant boost to your bone health. When magnesium combines with calcium, it helps in preventing osteoporosis and boosting bone health into your old age. Consuming Cinnamon sticks may not sound particularly appetizing, but the magnesium addition to your diet that it provides is impressive.4. Antioxidant Effects Cinnamon bark contains various essential oils and organic compounds that may actively seek out and neutralize free radicals. The antioxidants present in Cinnamon are praised for their ability to improve heart health and also prevent certain chronic diseases that are exacerbated by the activity of free radicals. Fibre present in Cinnamon also helps to maintain heart health by regulating cholesterol levels.5. Digestive Health Ground Cinnamon contains a certain amount of dietary fibre, which is good for the digestive system. Fibre may stimulate peristaltic motion and boost the bulk of your stool. This helps in improving digestion and preventing constipation, bloating, and even more serious conditions like gastric ulcers. Furthermore, Fibre can increase the binding of bile salts and eliminate them from the body before they cause any ill effects.6. Antibacterial Effects Cinnamon oil is more widely respected due to its potency of antibacterial quality in it. Adding Cinnamon to your diet can also prevent certain fungal and bacterial infections from affecting your health. This is precisely why Cinnamon was used as a food preservative for so many centuries; it can prevent the cultivation of dangerous pathogens.7. Cold & Flu Cinnamon sticks are naturally having warming quality, which makes them valuable for the treatment of the common cold and various forms of flu for generations. This warming ability can help to prevent fevers and also the onset of chills or pneumonia in cases of bronchitis.IMPORTANT TIPS AND FACTS OF CINNAMON1. Buy hollow brown sticks or ground powder.2. Powdered Cinnamon loses its flavour quickly, so you should purchase in small quantities and keep away from light in airtight containers.3. Do not store powdered Cinnamon spice in the refrigerator, the humidity will destroy it.4. Cinnamon was mentioned in the Bible and was used in ancient Egypt not only as a medicine and beverage flavouring but also as an embalming agent. Cinnamon was so treasured that it was considered more precious than gold.5. Cinnamon is a spice that can be used in savoury or sweet foods.6. Use in hot meat dishes or Indian rice ‘pulao’ dishes.7. Cinnamon Tea is a popular drink combined with honey for treating various illnesses.8. Cinnamon is part of a mixed spice powder ‘garam masala’ used widely in Indian cooking.9. As an ingredient in cakes, pies, cookies, cobblers, puddings, and other desserts.SIDE EFFECTS OF CINNAMON1. Cinnamon contains coumarin, a natural flavouring. Consuming too much coumarin can lead to liver damage and affect coagulation.2. People with liver disease should limit their consumption of Cinnamon.3. Cinnamon is found to be allergic to certain people, and they should refrain from taking Cinnamon.4. Cinnamon supplements are not recommended to be taken in large amounts by pregnant women.